Willie Nelson Talks His 31-Year Marriage with Wife Annie D’Angelo: ‘My Lover, Nurse, Bodyguard’ (Exclusive)

Willie Nelson: Laughter and Love at 90

After 31 years of marriage, Willie Nelson remains devoted to his wife, Annie D’Angelo. The 90-year-old country icon credits much of his happiness to D’Angelo, whom he playfully describes as his “bodyguard,” “nurse,” and “lover,” noting that laughter serves as the “best medicine” in their relationship.

Celebrating a Milestone

Nelson recently marked his 90th birthday with a star-studded, two-day concert event at the Hollywood Bowl titled Willie Nelson 90. The celebration featured performances with his sons, Lukas and Micah, alongside famous friends such as:

• George Strait

• Miranda Lambert

• Sheryl Crow

• Kris Kristofferson

Nelson expressed immense pride in his children’s musical talents, stating that having them perform on stage with him makes the experience even better.

A Legacy of Hard Work

With a career spanning over 60 years, Nelson’s journey began in Abbott, Texas, during the Great Depression. He moved to Nashville in 1960, later relocating to Austin in the early ’70s to help pioneer the “outlaw country” movement. His extensive discography includes 73 solo studio albums and three albums with The Highwaymen.

Aging Gracefully

While the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee admits to feeling the effects of aging—such as diminished hearing—he maintains a young-at-heart attitude. To preserve his health, the longtime cannabis connoisseur has stopped smoking and drinking.

Though he is finally slowing his pace, Nelson has no immediate plans for retirement. Reflecting on his nomadic lifestyle, he shares a sentiment from a Billy Joe Shaver song: “Moving is the closest thing to being free”.